Research Materials Engineer, AST, Aerospace Materials

Langley Research Center•Egg Harbor Township, NJ

About The Position

As a Research Materials Engineer in the Durability, Damage Tolerance, and Reliability Branch, you will lead computational and experimental studies on Process-Intensive Metallic Materials. You will develop models to predict material behavior, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and communicate research findings to advance material performance, reliability, and safety for aerospace applications. The position involves computational modeling and experimental characterization across aerospace materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and coatings. Research supports engineering solutions for aeronautical and space environments and NASA's mission.

Requirements

One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level for qualification at GS-13.
Experience conducting computational materials modeling of process-structure-property/performance relationships for Process-Intensive Metallic Materials in aerospace applications.
Experience developing or applying methods to predict damage tolerance and life of aerospace Process-Intensive Metallic Materials.
Experience processing and interpreting high-fidelity nondestructive evaluation data for Process-Intensive Metallic Materials to define initial damage and track damage evolution.
A bachelor's degree in an eligible field: engineering from a college or university with an ABET-accredited engineering program; physical science, mathematics, life science, or another field of science; or qualifying computer science coursework and knowledge.
A qualifying graduate degree may satisfy the basic education requirement if the applicant does not have a qualifying bachelor's degree.
Applicants who do not fully meet the basic education requirement may be considered based on exceptional relevant experience or a combination of education and experience demonstrating significant full-performance-level achievement directly related to the position.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or owe allegiance to the United States.
Current federal employees must meet applicable qualifications, time-in-grade, and 90-day-after-competitive-appointment requirements by the announcement closing date.
The position is subject to a pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance; requirements may vary by duty location and NASA Center.
The resume must provide a clear, detailed narrative describing how the applicant meets the specialized experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Conduct computational modeling of advanced materials for aerospace applications, including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and coatings.
Develop predictive frameworks for material behavior using empirical, theoretical, and numerical approaches.
Design, execute, and process experimental data to calibrate and validate models and characterize Process-Intensive Metallic Materials, including materials processed using Laser Powder Bed Fusion.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and mature computational materials research that supports engineering solutions across aerospace structures and systems.
Interpret and implement testing, nondestructive evaluation, and high-fidelity metrology results to calibrate and validate simulations of material properties and performance in aeronautical and space environments.
Innovate and implement computational and experimental methods for material characterization and performance assessment.
Manage technical aspects of contracted research, ensuring compliance with NASA standards and project requirements.
Prepare and present technical reports and research findings to stakeholders.